Study ties day care to some behavior problems

Can you imagine that? Behavior problems from children in daycare? Watching the today show this morning, they had a segment on this subject.

I can attest to this! I was a stay at home mom with my oldest, Michael. He grew up with his mom being at home. He didn't go to any day care, I was with him 24/7. He knew what to expect and when we looked at him a certain way...he stopped whatever he was doing. He didn't argue with us and still doesn't.

Amanda on the other hand...I went to work at a public school when she was 3. She was in a daycare in someones house. The lady who runs it is a good person, she only had maybe 5-6 kids at the most at one time. Amanda would argue, not mind and would look at you with that defiant look...just wanted to pull her toes off!!!

We didn't do anything different with the kids...except I went to work and put one in daycare.

This year since we have been homeschooling, Amanda's attitude has changed ! We are still "training" her. If you can train a dog or even a whale...you can train your child! She still wants to argue but that is subsiding. Everything is a work in progress...

Here's the link for the article: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/17795821/

I can also attest to the fact that 6th graders are behavior problems!! I worked at a Middle School, 6-8 grade. In fact in wasn't just the 6th graders...I worked in the "behavior unit". I know someone who works at a daycare down the street from us. She said she feels sorry for the kindergarten teachers because the kids she has in daycare are horrible.

The other morning as my husband was heading to work he saw parents dropping their kids off at the Middle school at 5:30am. Kids aren't allowed in until 7:30am, no one is there!

I am so grateful that God has given us the means for me to come back home! Amanda is only 9 and I want to be able to correct what we did when she was little.

Reading this article and watching the segment made me realize that Yes, God knew what he was doing when He laid it on my heart to come home and teach Amanda.

Bitterness...

Thought I would post and get something off my chest before we leave:


Ok, I have to admit...I am bitter. Within the past 5 months, I have had "friends" and people I have known for a while who have really made me mad! First let me say, that I have probably made them mad also...there is always a 2 way street!

I have not be faithful in prayer or study. I have not had any desire to know God lately...sad, isn't it? It seems like I have to force myself to be "happy" so no one will know. Can you say "pretend to be religious". But aren't "preachers wives" suppose to be "happy and religious"? Isn't everything suppose to "picture perfect"?

In Hebrews 12:15, looking carefully lest anyone fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up cause trouble, and by this many become defiled;

Oh My!! I have a NKJV Woman's study bible. I just got it and while "flipping" through it I found a commentary about bitterness-choosing resentment. Then I got to searching the Bible for answers on this subject.

Suffering does not automatically make a person stronger or better. The way you respond to suffering determines whether that hurt makes you better or bitter. I allowed this to make me bitter, I didn't respond well.
God had provided His grace to soothe in times of hurting. Refusing that grace creates an inner environment where bitterness can grow. It has grown and I have nursed it!!

At some point all of us, not just women will be wronged and will have to make the choice of how we deal with it. God provides His grace to help during these times. I, unfortunately have not given all of this to God and asked forgiveness for my part. I should be asking forgiveness for thinking that I could "handle" this by myself. I don't know why I think I can do stuff like this on my own.

Deuteronomy 29:18 (New King James Version)
18 so that there may not be among you man or woman or family or tribe, whose heart turns away today from the LORD our God, to go and serve the gods of these nations, and that there may not be among you a root bearing bitterness or wormwood;

I have nutured this bitterness and hurt for months. It has taken a toll on my mind, marriage and relationship with God. Bitterness can have far-reaching, long lasting and self destructive effects. Satan has enjoyed watching me suffer over this...

Lord forgive me for not relying on you for help. Help me to get past this and forgive those that have whispered against me.

Now...off to our Friday homeschool group have a wonderful weekend!!!

Just a MOM????

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office
was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the recorder,
"do you have a job or are you just a......?"

"Of course I have a job," snapped the woman.

"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation, 'housewife' covers it,"
said the recorder emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the
same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient and possessed of a high sounding title like,
"Official Interrogator" or "Town Registrar."

"What is your occupation?" she probed.

What made me say it?
I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
"I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations."

The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.

I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written,
in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

"Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest,
"just what you do in your field?"

Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
"I have a continuing program of research,
[what mother doesn't)
in the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole
family)
and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities,
(any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill
careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money."

There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she
completed the form, stood up and personally ushered me to the door.

As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career,
I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program,
testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more
distinguished and indispensable to mankind than
"just another Mom." Motherhood!


What a glorious career!
Especially when there's a title on the door.


Does this make grandmothers
"Senior Research associates in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations"
and great grandmothers
"Executive Senior Research Associates"?
I think so!!!
I also think it makes Aunts
Associate Research Assistants".

Happy Wednesday!!
Dreama

Decision to make

Ok, I have a difficult decision to make!! American Idol, Survivor, or Dancing With the Stars!!!

WOW!!! The first night of DWTS was great! It will coming on Mondays and Tuesdays. Only problem is American Idol...Survivor has moved to Wed. due to B-ball so I will have to record that to keep up with it. AI may have to go by the way side. I hate it since one of the contestants, Chris Sligh, has relatives around here and they have watching parties.

I have watched Survivor since the beginning and don't want to miss that...I am very loyal!!

After the first night of DWTS, I already have my favorites...

Joey Fatone-I predict he will win! He and his partner Kym did a fabulous job!

Ian Ziering-I think it will come down to these two. Kinda like Emmitt and Mario last year. I picked Emmitt from the get go and it wasn't because I am a COWBOYS fan!!

Cheryl Burke can teach anyone to dance!!! She has been the winner the last two years!

I was very impressed with Laila Ali. She did really good and she is such a pretty girl. Better watch out for her. Maksim Chmerkovskiy, her partner better watch out...she CAN take him!!

Billy Ray Cyrus, bless his heart...my daughter recognized him as "Hanna Montana's" dad...my son knows him from "Achy Breaky Heart". How time changes things. Karina Smirnoff , his partner has her hands full. She doesn't have it as easy as last year when she danced with Mario!!

Clyde Drexler was very smooth on the floor...man he is tall!!! I would love to have just a little of his height! His partner is new this year...he has potential.

Shandi Finnessey so pretty!! She did a good job, I thought but I think she will get better with time. Her partner Brian Fortuna is new this year also. They look like Barbie and Ken!!!

And everyone knows Leeza Gibbons, but does she have what it takes??? Her partner, Tony Dovolani is very talented, but can he get it out of her???

Apolo Anton Ohno is such a great athlete! He could do very well if he can find the time to practice...he is actually competing while doing the show. Julianne Hough is new to the show, they make a good match!

Paulina Porizkova is so beautiful and tall, 5'11". WOW!!!! She looked so tense and nervous, this is a woman who has walked run ways across the world. She might do pretty good though her partner,Alec Mazo is the winner from the first season.

John Ratzenberger may end up being the "Jerry Springer" of DWTS. He's a baby boomer, very charming and he had only 2 weeks to practice. The others had 4. He did well considering, very light on his feet! Not to mention his partner, Edyta Sliwinska is probably the most beautiful women around!! She is extremely talented!! Hopefully, she can do something with him.

Last but not least...Heather Mills. I know she has been in the press A LOT!!! It isn't easy getting a divorce anyway but to have it all aired in the press makes it worse...I have to say, I was totally impressed. I have tremendous respect for her to even try this! She has an artificial leg, she is dancing with 1 while the others have 2!!! Her partner, Jonathan Roberts did a good job teaching her and supporting her! I was amazed! People can do anything as long as they have the right attitude about it.

Ok, I'm hooked!! I need to get a life!!! I have to give up something...what to do. I know one thing...I gotta get off here and get school started...man it's hard to get back in the groove after spring break!!!

11 more weeks

We have 11 more weeks of school left ! We have almost completed our first year of homeschool !!

My oldest baby has 66 more days until he graduates!! Oh my goodness!! It still hasn't hit me! My little boy is growing up. I remember when he was little, he was the most precious thing!! Of course, he was the first baby and the first boy.

I have already started purchasing our curriculum for next year. We are still going to use Bob Jones. I have put our lessons plans on my calendar in Outlook.

I have read so many homeschool blogs, magazines and different books that it would make your head spin! I know, we still have 11 more weeks left in this year. I have enjoyed teaching Amanda. I didn't know if I could do it, I didn't know what I was doing!! God has helped us thru it and I am very grateful !!!

Spring Break is now over and it's time to get back into the swing of things!! I may not enjoy this part very much!

I am trying to come up with a bible study for the women to do this summer. I don't know if it should be a Beth Moore study or if I should find one on "submission". It is so funny that I have been thinking about this. So many blogs I have come across have posted one thing or another about this subject! It's really weird!

It would be fabulous if Beth Moore has a study over this subject. When you say submission to women...the whole "women's movement" thing comes out.

Over at "Everyday Mommy" Chris from Canada posted a comment that blew me away. I hope she doesn't mind if I use her comments as an example here:

1. Submission has nothing to do with feelings; rather is is shown by my actions. I do not always ‘feel’ submissive, nor am I commanded to feel so; rather I am commanded to BE submisive. It is in my actions. What I do and what I say.
2. Lack of submission on my part, reagardless of the circumstances, ultimately reveals pride in me. I am honoring myself above my husband, and truthfully, above my Lord.
3. Submission is denying myself, denying my will, taking up my cross. It is giving of myself. My very life.
4. Submission brings about freedom. Freedom from living by my flesh. The freedom that is found only in living how God created me to live. Abundant life.

WOW!!! It's that great??? I never looked at it as "Freedom"!! or thought about it as such. I really need to find something to go thru with the other women in church. I believe it would be an eye opener.

Monday night!!! DANCING WITH THE STARS!!! And Texas A&M is in the Sweet Sixteen!! Can you believe it??

Have a great week all and God Bless!!

What a time!!

We are back. We made it through a 18 hour trip with a 9 year old. Amanda did so good on the trip I am so proud of her. We didn't hear "are we there yet"?

Despite being a long trip, Disney is so much fun. We spent all day Saturday out there and went to Animal Kingdom on Sunday.

The band marched in the Disney preparade. They did a fabulous job! Michael said it was so cool marching down Main Street and seeing all of the people. The most spectacular firework display was after the parade. They go all out for this. It is beautiful !!

Amanda does NOT like fireworks, she never has. But she loved this. She sat on her dad's shoulders and watched in awe. Everyone around was in awe. It is a magical place and the Disney company knows how to get people in and out!

We had a great time and it is something that we won't forget for a long time. I have more pictures but I have been trying to catch up on laundry so I haven't had time to upload them from the camera.

Now we get to spend the rest of Spring Break cleaning the house, yard and church. Monday the 19th we will start back to school. Oh and watch "Dancing with the Stars"!! WOOOOHOOOO!! It starts next Monday, not to mention "Survivor". I missed last Thursday due to traveling. I don't even know who got kicked off. Better go and check that out.

Orlando or Bust

Tomorrow morning at 8am we take off for Florida. According to Yahoo it will take 18 hours and 9 minutes. From where we are it is 1,109.7 miles.

We will be traveling through East Texas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama then finally Florida.

I am so excited!! So is the 9 year old!! The husband still isn't thrilled. He is planning on using this trip to Disney World to witness to people. That's great but I hope he tries to have fun with his daughter.

The band doesn't leave until 2pm tomorrow afternoon. They will still beat us there since they are driving straight through on charter buses.

We have looked online (Amanda & I) and found pictures, rides, anything to do with DW. I only wish we could stay in Cinderella Castle...now that would be cool. I'm sure that would totally put my husband OVER the edge.

I have so many list, maps, hotel information and itineraries, I hope I don't loose it before we get down there.

Thursday, Friday will be in a car

Saturday, Sunday will be in Disney World

Monday, Tuesday will be in a car again.

Thank goodness for portable DVD players. We will be taking all the movies we have!!!

So far I have us girls packed. Of course we both have to take at least 3 pairs of shoes! Not to mention matching all of our outfits. The Michael's (husband & son) haven't done anything!! I have all of the clothes done, I'm just waiting for them to get everything out. No, I don't pack my husband or son. One is 42 years old, then other is 18. They are capable of doing this themselves!!

I have washed, cleaned the house and yard. Prissy (the dog) will be going to NaNa's for 7 days. The fridge is cleaned out, trash to the curb, snacks and drinks bought, tylenol, claritin and sunscreen on the counter ready to go. Oh and cell phone charger, gotta get that!!

All we have to do is drop the son at school in the morning (don't want to leave his truck at the school for the next 7 days), load the car and take off...ice, I gotta get ice for the cooler.

The band will be marching in the parade at Disney on Saturday night, which will be exciting for them.

Remember set VCR to record All My Children and General Hospital. Yes, we still have to record using a vcr.

Oh, and pray that we make it down there and back in one piece. I can't wait!!! WOOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!

Mothers

I love my mother...but she wears me out!!

My Mom works for a school district up the road from where we live. In fact, the town I grew up and live in are rivals with the district she works for. The first year they ever beat "us" in football they went out and had shirts made!!

Small town rivalry, Texas football, it's brutal...LOL!

Anyway, the district she works for, the Varsity Boys Basketball team won their district and today we drove an hour and an half to watch them play in their second play off game. Mom wanted to go and invited Amanda and I.

I remember riding with Mom when I was younger and not thinking much of it. Boy, am I glad I didn't notice or know any better.

The Good Lord, graciously got us there and back, Thank you God!!

She tails everyone...talk about drafting (nascar talk). Do you know how many bumpers I was up close and personal with? Her floor board now has permanent size 5 prints! She doesn't believe in brakes until the very LAST moment and she sight sees while going down the road.

Not just your normal sight seeing, she actually turns her body around to get a BETTER look!

Her philosophy is..."they've got brakes".

There was a small Toyota pickup in front of us turning right and didn't get out of her way fast enough, she cut it so close, she didn't hit him but I was holding onto the door and pushing on my brake. Mom thinks that is funny!!! She has a odd sense of humor!

Momma drives a big, white Ford F150 truck. She is a little, 5ft, red headed woman. Mom believes that since she has a BIG truck she has every right to drive like a maniac.

I have 3 younger sisters, I being the oldest. I call sister #1 and ask her if she ever rides with Mom??? She paused for a moment..."you don't have to say anymore". Oh Thanks Sis!! Then she starts laughing!!! I am doomed!!!

I have realized also that as you get older your bladder gets weaker...I really could have used a depends today. The last words out of the sisters mouth is..."Good Luck".

I love my Momma but she scares me to death!! And I think it cost a pretty penny to get airbags put back in!!!

If your ever in this part of Texas...beware of little, red headed women in BIG Ford trucks!!